Cloud computing firm Aliyun's Founder Plus scheme offers support, funding for Hong Kong start-ups

Aliyun, the largest cloud computing services provider in mainland China, is looking to burnish its credentials in Hong Kong through an initiative that supports the business expansion of local start-ups.

A subsidiary of e-commerce powerhouse Alibaba Group, Aliyun has formed partnerships with Hong Kong public utility Towngas as well as telecommunications and information technology giant PCCW to help provide local start-ups with a range of cloud computing services.

Aliyun vice-president Ethan Yu Sicheng announced on Monday the company’s plan to launch the Hong Kong edition of its “Founder Plus” programme later this year, providing selected start-ups with more resources to explore business opportunities in mainland China.

“Hong Kong has many excellent start-ups — including those in the gaming, mobile and finance sectors — that need secure, stable and efficient cloud computing solutions,” Yu said.

“By offering localised hybrid computing services, we hope to facilitate the rapid and more efficient business expansion of Hong Kong start-ups.”

Hangzhou-based Aliyun, which counts more than 1.4 million business users in mainland China, established its first data centre in Hong Kong in May last year through its collaboration with Towngas Telecom, the telecommunication subsidiary of Towngas.